Melbourne Demons devastated as three-time All-Star ruled out of season.

On the eve of the start of pre-season training , Melbourne Demons list manager Tod Patterson has expressed his devastation at the loss of three-time All-Star Aimee Mackin for the 2024 AFLW season.

The Shane O’Neill’s and Armagh star-forward suffered the second season-ending anterior cruciate ligament tear of her career in last month’s Ulster final victory over Donegal.

Aimee, the older Mackin sister, broke down 13 minutes into the second half of the provincial decider at Clones, which Armagh won 0-17 to 1-13 after extra-time.

The Camlough woman endured the same injury in 2019 but proved her resiliance by returning to fitness to win the Ladies Gaelic Football Association’s players’ player of the year in 2020.

“We were shattered to see Aimee go down,” Patterson said.

“She is such a gifted athlete and more importantly, the type of person you can only dream of having in your club, so we will miss her immensely.

“In saying that, we will be there every step of the way to support her.”

Mackin will be replaced by former Geelong player Denby Taylor who has signed for Melbourne.

Allstar midfielder Blaithin Mackin will join forces the rest of the Melbourne AFLW player group at the end of the GAA season.

Blaithin (24) was recruited by Melbourne in 2022 when she played in 10 of 13 matches and memorably booted the opening goal of their grand final victory over the Brisbane Lions with the Mackin family watching from the stands. In 2023, Blaithin proved her value again, averaging fourteen disposals per game and kicking five goals.

“For Blaithin to commit for an extended period of time is extremely exciting for us, and we expect she will continue to flourish and grow in importance with us,” Patterson said.

Last year, the Mackin sisters became the first siblings to play in AFLW for Melbourne.

In other news, Tipperary’s two-time premiership player Orla O’Dwyer has signed a new contract that will keep her at the Brisbane Lions until the end of 2027.